ONE of St Helens' best-loved restaurants is to close its doors this weekend ahead of a rebrand and revamp.

In a statement, Vigour Bar & Kitchen announced it is undergoing a change of ownership.

The plans will see it rebrand and relaunch with the aim of “paving the way for something better”.

The trendy “city style” venue on Bridge Steet, St Helens is the number one rated eatery in St Helens on Tripadvisor, with visitors travelling far and wide to sample its menu.

It was opened by Sutton High school friends Chris Heyes, Anthony Georgiou, and Scott Anderson, beginning life as a health kitchen-come-juice bar on Bridge Street in 2017.

It later shifted into a "casual dining" bar with an expanded menu and small plate focus - and its reputation grew.

However, after seven years bosses at Vigour have signalled that big changes lie ahead.

Vigour will close its doors on Sunday, May 12 ahead of a forthcoming rebrand, although a date for when it will reopen and more details of what the revamp will entail are yet to be revealed.

Vigour's statement

A statement published on social media from Vigour on Thursday read: “A change of ownership allows for new ideas.

“We’ve decided to rebrand. It gives us a chance to run with how we’ve envisioned Vigour to be for a long time, breaking old restraints, to pave the way for something better.

St Helens Star: The schoolfriends created VigourThe schoolfriends created Vigour

“Over the last seven years we’ve built a solid reputation and become a flagship for St Helens, we’ve had some incredible times and made priceless memories, but it’s time to open the door on the next chapter, and finally shake off the healthy stigma from the early days.

“Vigour was the combined effort of three childhood friends and with three voices, ideas were collaborative but somewhat compromised.

“Running it from a more singular vision, we plan to rebrand, revamp and bring something a little bit different.

“The same great vibe, an improved menu, some live music and, as always, a smiling face to greet you on arrival.”

St Helens Star: One of the restaurant's dishesOne of the restaurant's dishes (Image: A breakfast dish served up at Vigour)

The venue’s bosses stressed that the Bridge Street premises will return in a new guise.

Their statement continued: “We’d appreciate all your support throughout the transition. By no means are you losing us. We’re about to refine and elevate everything we’re about.

“Feeling very grateful for this journey, thank you to every single customer that’s supported us over the years because, without you, we’re nothing.

“Signing out as Vigour – 8pm Sunday, 12th May.

“New plans – TBA.

“Much love, Ant & Chris.”